Whatever the word, it was one for the books

Hillsboro celebrated the 125th anniversary of the city’s incorporation during the weekend.

A crowd gathered in downtown Hillsboro Friday evening for entertainment and ceremonies.

The evening began with a cake and ice cream social with music by the Schniggle Fritz Band.

Great Hillsboro Beard Contest entrants were judged with audience input. Darrell Dalke won for longest beard and softest and cleanest beard. Mark Rogers was deemed most stylish or colorful.

Contestants began growing their beards Feb. 16. Several contestants wore historical clothing for the contest.

“I’m glad I did it,” contestant Billy Robb said.

A time capsule buried during the city’s centennial celebration was opened. Its contents included pictures and documents from 1984.

Mayors past and present were honored. Peggy Goertzen researched where descendents of former mayors were, finding representatives as far away as California and Florida.

Mayor Delores Dalke was joined by Harold Wiebe and Bob Hein as the only living mayors.

A volunteerism drive gathered pledges of more than 300 hours for city projects.

Organizer Diane Claassen had the idea to give the city birthday presents, resulting in the drive.

“It’s fantastic,” she said.

Saturday featured an antique car show, vintage fashion show, and chicken picnic dinner at Schaeffler House.

Contestants in the fashion show were Abigail Calan, Brenda Coryea, Dale Dalke, Donna Dalke, Marilyn Jost, and Olivia Stafford. Each contestant received a T-shirt.

There also were children’s games, bed turning and player piano demonstrations, and a free family swim.

The ribbon was cut Sunday at the opening of a new exhibit at Hillsboro Museums Visitor Center.

The exhibit is “Joining the American Mosaic.”

The celebration will continue with a farmer’s market 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Schaeffler House.

The final event will be Friday, with hot dogs, ice cream, and a program at Schaeffler House.